Goodwill

This afternoon Daddy and Tula went out together to fix Daddy's truck and Mommy and Mav got to run a couple errands together, alone, which was actually sort of a fun treat for both of us. For me, it's just so much easier doing that kind of stuff with one kid, but for Maverick, he loved having all the one on one attention, me talking to him and telling him what everything is, and lots of kisses. We had to take a trip into our local Goodwill store and I put Mav in the Ergo so that he could be nice and close. He still loves to ride in there, and although he is getting pretty heavy, I love having him close like that.

We were waiting in line to pay for the cool new Christmas train set we found (yay!) and giggling together. Playing one of Mav's favorite games, where he sticks his finger in my mouth and I pretend to bite his finger off and he laughs hysterically until we do it again. I couldn't help but notice the lady in line in front of us watching me, so I looked up at her and smiled.

"That is so sweet," she said. "My son used to love that game too." Her eyes were misty.

I did the usual small talk, 'Yeah, he loves this game" or whatever.

"My baby is 20 years old now, and he is in Iraq." And it was apparent she was trying very hard not to cry.

I did not know what to say, and regret to write that because I just didn't know what to say I really said nothing, except maybe, "Oh?"

You see, the first thought that came to my head, right or wrong, was "I am so sorry" but then I just didn't think that was appropriate. I hardly think these people over there want their loved ones to be accepting apologies for their brave and heroic acts. Then i thought to say "Thank You" but it just seemed so selfish as I was still able to cradle my baby safely in my arms and hers was a million miles away. I wanted to thank her for raising a man strong and good and brave enough to be willing to go to places like the Iraq and fight for freedom, whether it be his own or someone else's. She must be so sad to have him gone, but she should be so proud.

What a special reminder today of how little boys grow up to be great big men, but they are always their Mommy's baby. Oh, it hurt my heart to see her eyes well up, I couldn't imagine her pain. But I could sense her pride too as she spoke of him and that somehow eased the hurt for her a little.

She got to the front of the line and asked the Goodwill employee what they do with all the clothes they cannot sell, because he son had phoned her from Iraq and said "Ma, you gotta do something or send something, the kids here wear just rags and they have no shoes." She told the story as colorfully to the employee as it had been told to her, and seemed just as every bit concerned about it as her boy was. How incredible that this young man isn't only over there, life on the line he is phoning home brainstorming with his Mommy about how to clothe those kids.

I am so fortunate to have been behind that kind lady today at Goodwill. She and the story of her son really struck a chord, and I can only hope and pray that I am able to raise such thoughful, wordly children. What a gift, in so many ways, has she given to the world. I wish I would have said more to her in that line...there was so much to say. But I have a feeling that she rests easy anyways, with or without the encouraging words from others. Knowing that she did her best with what she had, and he is doing the best with what he has, and inspiring others to do the same.